Single-walled carbon nanotubes as adaptable one-dimensional crosslinker to bridge multi-responsive shape memory network via π–π stacking

• Published in: Composites communications Vol. 14; pp. 48 - 54
• Main Authors: Xiao, Wen-Xia, Fan, Cheng-Jie, Li, Bei, Liu, Wei-Xiu, Yang, Ke-Ke, Wang, Yu-Zhong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2019
• Subjects: Multi-functional; Multi-stimuli-responsive; Pyrene; Shape memory; π-π stacking; Multi-stimuli-responsive; Pyrene; π-π stacking; Shape memory; Multi-functional
• ISSN: 2452-2139; 2452-2139
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coco.2019.05.006

Recently, shape-memory polymers (SMPs) with multi-response capacity and multi-functionality have become increasingly desired. Although these features can be achieved by integrating different functional units into one system, reaching this goal in materials with a minimalist structure remains a major challenge. In this work, a multi-responsive shape-memory pyrene-containing poly(ε-caprolactone) network was developed by simple combination with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as a one-dimensional, infinite-functional crosslinker. π-π Stacking between the SWCNTs and pyrene group formed stable netpoints and led to desirable shape-memory effects (SMEs). The pyrene group is highly beneficial for dispersing the SWCNTs, allowing the formation of an electrically conductive network with low loading capacity. Thus, thermo-, electro-, and photo-induced SMEs were realized by virtue of the excellent electrical conductivity and photothermal effect of the SWCNTs. The self-healing capacity of the network was also demonstrated by exploiting the dynamic π-π stacking interactions. •The SWCNTs was used as a one-dimensional crosslinker to construct the shape memory networks via π–π stacking.•The networks exhibit excellent thermal, electro, light-induced shape memory effect.•The self-healing capacity of the network was demonstrated by utilizing the dynamic feature of π-π stacking interaction.